is weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks strength, effectiveness, or intensity. Example: "The argument presented in the debate is weak and fails to convince the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Everything is weak.

The New York Times

What is weak?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Money is weak glue".

The New York Times

The President is "weak".

The New Yorker

Corporate governance is weak.

The Economist

My father is weak.

The New Yorker

"Their morale is weak.

The New York Times

The state is weak.

The Economist

The reasoning is weak.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Democracy is weaker".

The New York Times

Diana and Actaeon is weaker.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, clarify the area in which something "is weak". For example, "The argument is weak in its supporting evidence."

Common error

Avoid using "is weak" without specifying the context. Instead of saying "The economy is weak", specify which aspect is weak, such as "Consumer spending is weak".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is weak" primarily functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, describing a subject's state or quality. Ludwig examples show it attributing a lack of strength, effectiveness, or intensity to various subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

19%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is weak" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a lack of strength, effectiveness, or intensity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used across diverse contexts, including news, business, and general discussions. The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone and can be replaced with alternatives like "lacks strength" or "is feeble" for varied emphasis. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to specify the context in which something "is weak". Common errors include overgeneralization, which can be avoided by specifying which aspect is weak. Overall, "is weak" is a versatile phrase, with usage across diverse media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks strength

Replaces "is weak" with a more direct statement of lacking physical or metaphorical power.

is feeble

Emphasizes a more pronounced state of weakness, often implying frailty.

is not strong

Offers a simple negation of strength, directly contrasting with "is weak".

is vulnerable

Highlights susceptibility to harm or attack, a specific type of weakness.

is fragile

Suggests a delicate weakness, easily broken or damaged.

is ineffective

Focuses on the lack of desired results or impact, a functional type of weakness.

is deficient

Indicates a lack of necessary qualities or components, resulting in weakness.

is unsound

Implies a flaw or instability that leads to weakness, often in arguments or structures.

is unsustainable

Suggests an inability to maintain or support something, leading to eventual weakness or collapse.

is unconvincing

Focuses on a lack of persuasive power or credibility, an intellectual form of weakness.

FAQs

How can I use "is weak" in a sentence?

The phrase "is weak" can be used to describe something lacking strength, effectiveness, or intensity. For example, "The evidence presented in the case "is weak" and doesn't support the claim."

What are some alternatives to saying "is weak"?

You can use alternatives like "lacks strength", "is feeble", or "is vulnerable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is weak" or "lacks strength"?

Both "is weak" and "lacks strength" are grammatically correct, but "lacks strength" can be more direct. The best choice depends on the desired emphasis and tone.

What's the difference between saying something "is weak" and saying it "is fragile"?

Saying something "is weak" implies a general lack of strength or effectiveness. Saying something "is fragile" suggests it is easily broken or damaged, either physically or metaphorically.